Black Panther: The Young Prince

One of the defining qualities of comic books and graphic novels are the ways in which the written word is incorporated onto the page. There are different needs for written language in such stories, whether through dialogue or simple narration. In Black Panther, this is particularly important given the complexities of Wakanda and the struggles T’Challa faces as its leader. The written word offers insight into his internal conflict and serves as a tool through which to understand both his personal dilemmas and the external forces threatening his kingdom. T’Challa’s fight with Venomm in the mines of Wakanda demonstrates the different needs and displays for the written word on the page. These comics use word boxes to include narration on the page, often shaded a different color to differentiate it from speech. In these boxes, T’Challa’s actions, as well as others, are explained, or information about characters or the setting are revealed. In these boxes, the world of Wakanda becomes clearer and the actions and motivations of the characters are exposed. On Page 75, many of these boxes are used to show T’Challa’s shock at finding the secret mine, though he does not say a word. Also on this page is the use of onomatopoeia. Onomatopoeia is the use of a written word to simulate sound, and in this case it is, “whiiiirrrrrrrrrrrcrack!”—used to show the sound of Venomm’s whip hitting T’Challa. Just as lines can bring motion to the page in a comic, so too can onomatopoeia bring sound. The other major form of written word on the page is the word bubble, which contains the dialogue of the characters. These bubbles are often connected to the characters who are speaking, and they are most often read in order from top to bottom of a panel. This simulates conversation over time even as a panel only captures one moment. In these issues, these elements bring a layered depth to the scene—visual action paired with internal reflection allows the reader to grasp both the immediacy of the battle and the larger implications of T’Challa’s leadership.

When T’Challa returns to Wakanda after an extended stint in the US fighting with the Avengers, he is struck by the ways that his absence affected Wakanda and his people. While T’Challa was away, the nation changed without his guidance, and he now feels disconnected from his people and culture. The Weight of Leadership begins to weigh on him as he realizes that being a leader does not solely mean fighting for justice wherever he can, but also being present for the people he rules. This is a crucial moment in T’Challa’s journey, as it represents a shift from global heroism to a more intimate reflection on his duties as Wakanda's king. His reflection—“Once, he was acutely attuned to this land […] once, he was part of it and it was a part of him […] But now he is aware that there has been a subtle, undefinable change[…] and he is no longer an integral part of his heritage!” (51)—signifies that his absence has allowed distrust and disconnection to fester. Before T’Challa left to fight with the Avengers in the US, he was devoted wholly to Wakanda, in tune with its people and nature. However, the absence of the Black Panther causes the people to doubt his leadership and decisions surrounding new technology that changes the culture and society of Wakanda. This struggle is emblematic of the challenges faced by leaders torn between global responsibility and local loyalty, which also allows Killmonger to garner support among Wakandans for a revolution. T’Challa must not only find a way to protect his people and defeat Killmonger but also repair the broken relationship between his people and the cultural figure of the Black Panther.

The Conflict Between Technology and Tradition is another critical theme in these issues, as it manifests not only in Wakanda’s development but also in T’Challa’s personal relationships. One of the primary points of contention with T’Challa’s leadership during this time is his straying from Wakandan tradition and becoming too comfortable with the outside world. W’Kabi, T’Challa’s primary advisor, warns him of the anger and distrust surrounding his relationship with Monica. Her influence on T’Challa angers W’Kabi and other advisors, who believe that she erodes Wakandan traditions. W’Kabi believes that Monica’s relationship with T’Challa contributes greatly to T’Challa’s disconnection from Wakanda and his straying from tradition: “Your ‘guest’ from the far-away shores approaches. It might be best she did not hear such tribal concerns! [...] My chieftain, you cannot allow this outsider to disrupt this dignity of this court” (52). W’Kabi’s concerns speak to a larger issue within Wakanda, where T’Challa’s openness to modernity and global relationships threatens the delicate balance between Wakanda’s deeply rooted traditions and its technological advances. Monica further reflects this theme: She unknowingly spurns tradition, interrupting meetings and private spaces, speaking her mind in a way not usually seen in Wakanda. T’Challa’s commitment to her is also at odds with tradition, as he frequently sides with her despite the complaints from W’Kabi. This sows discord between T’Challa and his trusted advisors, who see his commitment to Monica as a distraction from his duties to the nation, eroding important relationships on which T’Challa depends. This dynamic suggests that Wakanda’s growth—while vital—also requires careful consideration of its past and its people’s values, as well as T’Challa’s clear presence in Wakanda as a sign of respect.

In addition to T’Challa’s internal struggles, Killmonger emerges as a significant external threat to Wakanda’s stability. Killmonger’s challenge to T’Challa is not just a physical one—it is a philosophical battle over the future of Wakanda. As a man who was enslaved by Klaw’s forces and later returned to Wakanda filled with resentment, Killmonger represents a radical alternative to T’Challa’s vision of leadership. His desire to overthrow T’Challa is fueled by personal vengeance, but also by the belief that Wakanda should embrace aggression. Killmonger’s brutality stands in stark contrast to T’Challa’s more measured approach, further exacerbating the question of whether the Black Panther’s leadership is sufficient in the face of such cultural upheaval. This core clash underscores the significance of conscience and leadership in the face of a divided society, where even the best intentions can be perceived as weakness.

Additionally, Killmonger’s ability to manipulate others, such as Venomm and his soldiers, ties into the broader theme of Resistance Against Racist Society. Killmonger’s rage is not just directed at T’Challa but also at the systemic forces that have oppressed and manipulated Wakanda’s resources, as seen in the brutal mining operations he leads. The exploitation of Wakanda’s vibranium serves as a potent symbol of imperialism’s destructive legacy, as Killmonger uses this same resource to fuel his rebellion. By reclaiming the vibranium mines, Killmonger positions himself as a revolutionary leader, but his methods are violent and self-serving, leaving T’Challa to face the difficult task of restoring peace while preserving Wakanda’s autonomy. In this context, T’Challa’s battle with Killmonger reflects broader power dynamics, where tradition, technology, and leadership intersect in Wakanda’s quest to remain free from both internal and external exploitation.